Juvenile Defense Lawyer Camden County, MO
Juvenile defense lawyer in Camden County, MO. Facing legal hurdles and difficulties as a juvenile can be a daunting, overwhelming experience both for you and your family. If you are facing charges, regardless of the severity, having a talented, knowledgeable, and compassionate Camden County, MO juvenile defense lawyer quickly becomes paramount.
The juvenile defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing individuals involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in Camden County and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a vital role in making sure that our young clients in Camden County, MO and their families receive fair treatment and are provided with the best opportunities for rehabilitation. We recognize that good people find themselves in difficult situations, and we will do whatever it takes to help.
Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-strings-attached case review. Our Camden County, MO lawyers are committed to providing expert legal advice and determining the most appropriate course of action for your situation.
Why You Need a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Camden County, MO
In Missouri, the Juvenile Division of the Circuit Court exclusively handles juvenile crimes, as well as cases of abuse, neglect, adoptions, and other things. This is extremely beneficial to you because of the fact that when a minor is accused of a crime in Camden County or anywhere else in Missouri the Juvenile Division provides rehabilitative measures instead of punishment. However, this also means that you should have a knowledgeable Camden County, MO defense attorney by your side who understands the intricacies of the juvenile court proceedings.
The Combs Waterkotte Camden County, MO juvenile defense lawyer team boasts extensive experience in defending young clients. We collaborate with the court to secure the most favorable outcome for you and provide crucial elements like character statements and mitigating factors for the judge to consider. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Who is a Juvenile or an Adult Under Missouri Law?
In accordance with the juvenile code, an adult is defined as an individual aged 18 years or older, whereas a child refers to anyone under the age of 18. It’s crucial to note that age distinctions may vary for different circumstances under the laws of, such as:
- For driving purposes, there is a range between 15 ½ and 18 depending on the type of driver’s license.
- To possess or consume alcoholic beverages, an individual must be 21 years of age.
- An individual must be 18 to purchase a long gun, or 21 for a handgun.
What Are Some Possible Outcomes of a Juvenile Accused of a Crime in Camden County or Elsewhere Throughout Missouri?
The potential resolutions for a juvenile facing criminal accusations depend on factors such as the gravity of the offense, the juvenile’s prior legal history, and the specific details of the case. These possible outcomes underscore the importance of having a dedicated Camden County, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side, tirelessly advocating for your rights and future.
Do not leave the outcome to chance in Camden County, MO; reach out to the lawyers at Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online. Here are some of the potential outcomes:
Diversion Programs
Juveniles may qualify for alternative programs aimed at diverting them from formal court proceedings. These initiatives, such as counseling, community service opportunities in Camden County, MO, or educational components, provide alternatives to traditional legal pathways.
Probationary Period
This is a common outcome for juvenile offenders in Camden County and throughout Missouri. Probation could involve routine check-ins with a probation officer, adherence to specific conditions, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Our skilled Camden County, MO legal staff is proficient in championing reasonable probation conditions, offering valuable guidance and assistance throughout the probationary period.
Restitution
In some cases in Camden County, MO, juvenile offenders may be required to make restitution to the victim(s), either through financial payments or community service.
Juvenile Detention
In cases of serious or repeated offenses, the court may mandate juvenile detention or out-of-home placement in the Camden County, MO area. This decision is frequently made when community-based rehabilitation appears impractical.
Record Expungement
Certain juvenile records may be expunged or sealed after the juvenile reaches a specific age, finishes the required program, or stays out of trouble for a specified period. However, some offenses may persist on the record even after reaching adulthood. It is crucial to consult with a Combs Waterkotte juvenile defense lawyer in Camden County, MO to understand the jurisdiction-specific guidelines. Our team is available 24/7. Call us right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
It is crucial to note that the juvenile justice systems in Camden County and Missouri are crafted with a main concentration centered on the well-being of the juvenile, prioritizing rehabilitation and treatment. The specific outcome will be contingent upon the distinct circumstances of each case and the discretion of the court.
What Are the Different Types of Juvenile Crimes in Camden County and Throughout Missouri?
Juvenile crimes in Camden County, MO encompass a range of offenses and can vary in severity, ranging from nonviolent to violent acts. Common types of juvenile crimes in Camden County and throughout Missouri include:
- Truancy: Under Revised Statutes of Missouri § 167.031, also known as the Compulsory Attendance Law, parents are obligated to make sure their child is enrolled in and regularly attends school. While homeschooling is an alternative, parents must demonstrate that the child receives 1000 hours of instruction.
- Curfew Violations: This involves being in public during hours when a minor is required to be at home. These hours can vary by jurisdiction, highlighting the importance of having an experienced juvenile defense lawyer by your side.
- Shoplifting and Theft/Burglary: Fortunately, the Missouri courts don’t feel children have the same decision-making abilities as adults. Property crimes, including shoplifting and theft, fall under the purview of the Juvenile Division. The approach is geared toward correcting juvenile behavior, frequently involving release to parents, restitution, probation, diversionary programs, counseling, or in more severe cases, detention or home confinement.
- Vandalism: Cases of juvenile vandalism are also heard by the Juvenile Division. To be charged, vandalism must be proven to be purposeful. Penalties range from restitution and fines to probation or, in severe cases, detention.
- Trespassing: In most cases, juvenile trespassing is done with far different intentions than adult trespassing. Fortunately, the courts see this and have far different penalties for juveniles – including probation, diversion programs, fines, or, in the most serious cases, detention.
- Traffic Violations: Juvenile traffic violations are unique in that, as explained above, a juvenile becomes an adult for driving purposes at 15 ½. The Juvenile Division can’t take any cases over that age, but if the traffic violation is severe enough to warrant jail time a juvenile DWI charge for example, the traffic court judge may request the juvenile court to supersede.
- Simple Assault: Recent legislative changes mean that a juvenile may now face charges of simple assault for injuring another person or for seriously threatening to harm another person. Referred to as assault in the fourth degree under RSMo. § 565.056, this offense is categorized as a misdemeanor, potentially leading to consequences like jail time, community service, restitution, probation, counseling, or a fine.
- Arson: Penalties for juvenile arson cases can vary widely depending on the circumstances. In less severe instances, juveniles might be required to pay restitution or perform community service and undergo counseling. However, arson charges can quickly escalate to more serious consequences depending on the gravity of the offense.
- Gun Possession: This is an unfortunately common charge and the possible penalties for unlawful possession could be as minor as a fine or as major as jail time.
Our skilled legal team ensures that the citizens of Camden County, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. Along with juvenile defense in Camden County, MO, our attorneys are experienced in several forms of law, including:
Who Decides if a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult in Camden County, MO?
If you have been charged with a serious crime as a juvenile, you need to have a conversation with a defense attorney in Camden County, MO as soon as possible. The Combs Waterkotte legal team is available for free case reviews at (314) 900-HELP or by reaching out to us online.
According to RSMo. § 211.071, a juvenile court judge decides whether you will be tried as an adult based on the charges, looking at your record, and following a hearing. The judge will consider the seriousness of the charges, the need to protect the community, the presence of force or violence in the crime, harm inflicted on others, whether you have a record of breaking the law, and your age.
If you are tried as an adult, our Camden County criminal defense lawyers will do everything in their power to prove your innocence. In the event of a guilty plea or verdict, various outcomes may unfold. You could be placed on probation and given a second chance. You may spend some time in a detention facility and then later be sent to an adult prison. Or, in the worst-case situation, you may be immediately sent to an adult prison.
Reach Out To a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Camden County, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte
Finding the right juvenile defense lawyer is vital for ensuring a fair and equitable outcome for young individuals entangled in the Camden County or Missouri legal system. With adept legal representation, Camden County, MO juveniles stand a better chance at rehabilitation and a successful future.
We understand the unique challenges and pressures of being a kid these days, and we use this knowledge for your benefit. Combs Waterkotte fights for our clients, no matter the severity of their charges. Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us for a free, commitment-free case review.
